12/16/2025
Okay, buckle up, because today we’re going to talk about something a little uncomfortable (and I hate conflict so this might do me in) but it’s important if we’re teaching you how to find an ethical breeder.
This brings us to topic number four: Look for a wait list, “not available today” ⬅️ Some didn’t appreciate how I titled this bullet point, so let me explain what I meant.
Purchasing a puppy should never ever be an impulsive decision.
YES, sometimes a puppy becomes available last minute. That’s normal.
A home backs out last minute.
A breeder feels uncomfortable with a placement.
The breeder held back extra puppies to grow out and has started making cuts.
All that’s so normal… and in these situations you’ll end up with a puppy a little older and a little quicker.
But what’s NOT normal?
Breeders who have “available today!” puppies every month of the year.
Breeders who are producing 10, 12, 14 litters annually (OR WAY MORE)… and also struggling to place them.
Breeders whose social media looks like a pet store ad… “ready now!” “can go home today!” “last one left!” “Black Friday sale!”
BREEDERS WHO HAVE A “BUY NOW!” TAB ON THEIR WEBSITE (I’m not even making this up)
At that point, it doesn’t matter how many dog shows they attend (if any), what health testing they’re doing, or how many followers they have on social media… (and listen I’m not judging, I’ve worked hard to build this following) When you’re consistently producing more puppies than you have homes for, that’s not reputable breeding anymore.
Ethical breeders create litters because there’s a purpose, a plan, and a long-term vision for the breed and their program.
I’d also like to mention that it’s not un-ethical to advertise your puppies or your program in any way. Breeders should be putting themselves out there where people are looking for puppies.. Otherwise the general public is only going to be finding BYBers and therefore supporting exactly what we are trying to end.
It’s not a red flag to breed a litter without having a full wait list. A lot of breeders don’t even use wait lists anymore and instead advertise when they have a confirmed pregnancy or puppies on the ground. This isn’t a dig at someone who has 1-2 litters a year and has to work a bit harder to find homes. The red flag is the website that says “Buy Now!” where a puppy is one quick card swipe away with zero relationship with or questions from the breeder.
In short, YES a couple puppies becoming available is fine. That can happen to any of us.
But a breeder who always has available puppies… always, all year long… is telling you a lot about their program without ever saying a word.
Ok, I really hope I articulated that correctly and didn’t p**s everyone off 🫣
Clear as mud? Happy Tuesday!
